India asks Nepal to restrict citizens from entering its border regions

New Delhi has sent a letter asking Kathmandu to immediately stop its citizens from entering and carrying out movements in the Kalapani, Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh and Gunji areas

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New Delhi: Taking strong cognizance on the illegal border crossing carried out by Nepali citizens into Indian territories, New Delhi has sent a notice to authorities in Kathmandu. Indian officials at the border village of Dharchula in Uttarakhand have asked Nepalese authorities to take immediate steps to stop the entry of its citizens from entering the areas of Kalapani, Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh, and Gunji.

According to sources, Indian officer Anil Kumar Shukla sent an e-mail to the District Administration Officer in Darchula of Nepal on July 14, citing the information of illegal entry of people into the territories. Shukla in his draft highlighted that the border crossing and movement of Nepalese citizens in Indian territories, without bonafide permission, would create problems for the administrations of both countries.

The Indian officer has asked Nepalese authorities to take action on the growing number of illegal crossings as well as inform his office about any such activity. The issue of illegal crossing has gained attention in the border region between the two nations after Nepal issued its revised map claiming the Indian territories as its own. 

Nepalese officials from Darchula confirmed receiving the draft from Shukla while agreeing that such crossings had indeed grown by the counts. 

As per reports, Nepalese Chief District Officer Sharad Kumar Pokharel has been apprised on the issue. 

Meanwhile, Nepalese authorities claimed that India has adopted a strict policy regarding the movement in the Kalapani region after Armed Police Force set up a border outpost at Gaga in Chhangaru. After the BOP was set up, a police team led by Inspector Lili Bahadur Chand had set out towards Kalapani for the first time. However, while they had crossed Upper Kauwa, they were stopped by Indian security personnel.

Kathmandu also alleged that Indian security forces have come a kilometer further down from where they were earlier in Kalapani and created a barricade by gathering boulders.

As per records, on July 13, the Nepalese government had decided to set up an APF gulma in Chhangaru Gaga. The APF BOPs are also slated to be set up in Kauwa and Tinkar. Moreover, the Nepalese Army is working to open a track to Chhangaru by setting up a camp in Ghatibagar, Byas. An army unit is also working to construct Darchula-Tinkar road.

Kathmandu is also preparing to station the Nepali Army in Chhangaru.